Importance of Dental X-Rays To Execute Effective Treatments
Depending on the medical and family history, dentists advise dental X-rays for their patients once a year.
An adult with good oral health and minimal risk of dental disorders should have x-rays done every 24 to 36 months.
Although many dental clinics use current technology that lessens the amount of radiation compared to X-rays, people run from dental X-rays.
Patients of all ages can safely receive digital X-rays.
Read on to know why being overdue for dental X-rays is not a good idea.
What are Dental X-rays?
Radiographs or dental-x-rays are images of the mouth to locate the dental problems hidden from the human eye.
Because some dental disorders don't show any symptoms, mouth infections hidden behind crowns, implants, root canals, tooth sockets, or jaw recesses are hard to find.
Therefore, one in four persons may be unaware of a concealed tooth infection.
Routine exams and dental X-rays ensure that concealed infections don't worsen over time and raise your chance of developing a chronic illness.
4 Factors That Determine When You Need X-Rays
Dental radiography is usually done once a year.
But, if your dentist is monitoring the course of a dental condition or when dental X-rays are required to increase the efficiency of a treatment.
The following variables influence the frequency of dental X-rays:
Age
The current state of your oral health
Any signs of orthodontic problems
History of dental decay or gum disease
Children need more dental X-rays for teeth observation.
Dental X-rays are mandatory for some individuals for up to once every six months.
Those with good oral health and dental visits may only require dental X-rays roughly every three years.
Who Should Get Dental X-Rays?
In the following cases, it becomes essential to go for dental X-rays:
1.Cavities
Depending on their age, children and teenagers with a history of tooth cavities may require X-rays every six months or annually.
Or those who are at a high risk of decaying for other causes.
Additionally, they are beneficial for monitoring tooth development.
2.Gum Disease
Individuals suffering from periodontal disease may exhibit indications of bone loss on X-rays. If this occurs, they may require periodontal surgery.
3.People with Dry Mouth
People who experience xerostomia, or dry mouth, benefit from saliva's ability to balance the mouth's acidity (pH), which protects teeth.
The salivary pH drops when the mouth is dry.
More cavities arise from the breakdown of the teeth's minerals.
Dry mouth is a side effect of many medications. It may also be the outcome of a chronic illness or cancer treatment.
4.Smokers
Smoking raises the risk of periodontal disease and bone loss around the teeth.
5.Tobacco Users
Chewing tobacco can cause more cavities since it is sweetened with sugar.
5 Key Types of Dental X-Rays
Not every dental problem is the same. Thus, when you go for dental checkups, the dentist in Waterloo will use different types to identify the issues.
To know which one may be useful for you, here is a brief description of all the types:
1.Bitewing X-Rays
The name refers to the little tabs a patient bites to secure the sensor or X-ray film.
Among the simplest and most reliable radiographs, bitewing radiographs provide data free of distortion.
This information aids in accurately assessing and diagnosing dental disease in between teeth.
A dentist in Waterloo can identify deterioration, particularly in the spaces between teeth, with the use of bitewing X-rays.
These dental X-rays help in identifying alterations to your jawbone brought on by gum disease as well.
Procedure for Bitewing X-Rays
The patient has to bite down on a piece of plastic material that holds the X-ray film against their upper and lower teeth if the dentist performs the typical dental X-rays.
2.Periapical X-Rays
A full-tooth X-ray is called a periapical X-ray.
Everything is visible in this type, including the root and the crown.
The upper or lower teeth are shown in little sections on each periapical X-ray.
These dental X-rays are commonly employed to look for any odd changes in the surrounding bone structures and the root.
Procedure Periapical X-rays
A metal rod with a ring attached will be used to insert film close to your mouth.
To hold the gadget in place and produce a clear X-ray image, the patient has to bite the gadget.
3.Full Mouth Survey X-Rays
Bitewing and periapical images are separately used to make up a whole mouth survey X-ray.
Dentists perform these dental X-rays on the first visit after they share concerns about a dental condition.
They establish a baseline for the condition of your mouth using these images.
If the dentist suspects a tumour or cyst in the patient's jaw, they opt for this kind of dental x-ray.
A full mouth survey X-ray is significant in dental procedures like root canals, extractions, and gum disease treatment.
Procedure for Full Mouth Survey
This type includes taking the first two procedures described earlier as it is a combination of both.
4.Occlusal X-Rays
Occlusal X-rays record the contents of the roof or floor of the mouth, enabling the dentist to view the whole development and positioning of the teeth.
That can detect additional teeth, which can harm healthy permanent teeth or determine the eruption process of teeth.
This kind of X-ray can also confirm a fracture or cleft palate. An occlusal X-ray can also reveal growths, cysts, or infections that are difficult to locate.
Procedure for Occlusal X-Rays
The procedure resembles bitewing dental X-rays.
5.Panoramic X-Rays
Using a very low dosage of ionizing radiation, a panoramic dental X-ray creates a single image that shows the whole mouth.
Normally, dentists and oral surgeons utilize it in their daily practises to arrange treatment for dentures, braces, extractions, and implants.
Procedure for Panoramic X-Rays
To preserve the dental alignment and produce a good image, patients should bite down on a bite blocker.
Next, the device records mouth movement by rotating an arm in a semicircle around the head.
Note: Before any type of dental X-rays, tell the dentist in Waterloo if there is a possibility of pregnancy.
Take off any accessory, eyeglasses or metal objects that may interfere with the x-ray images.
Wear a lead apron to save the body from radiation exposure (all clinics provide them).
Why Do Dentists in Waterloo Recommend Dental X-Rays
The dentist in Waterloo suggests dental X-rays for the reasons given below:
Diagnosis for multiple dental diseases
To make a treatment plan for your smile makeover
To track changes in teeth and gums
Identify dental damage
FAQs
Are dental X-rays risky?
The amount of radiation that comes in contact is negligible.
Can a pregnant woman get dental X-rays?
Dentists perform X-rays after putting thyroid and abdominal shields on the patient, making the procedure risk-free.
How many times should I take dental X-rays a year?
There is no hard and fast rule for having dental X-rays. It depends on variables like age, oral health, etc.
What are the main types of dental X-rays?
Intra and extraoral are the two main types, further divided into categories.
The Bottom Line
These are the types of dental X-rays that help in identifying various oral diseases.
To maintain good oral health, KWC Dental provides all the necessary information and procedures.
To get dental X-rays in a welcoming environment that feels like home, get in touch with us today!